Chief Justice rejects offer to head caretaker council

MANILA, Philippines - Chief Justice Reynato Puno has rejected an offer of National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales for him to head a caretaker council that would draft a new Constitution.

SC spokesman Jose Midas Marquez said Puno told Gonzales that the setting up of a transition government has no basis in the Constitution.

“The Chief Justice just said that while he respects the belief of Secretary Gonzales, everything has to be done in accordance with the Constitution and rule of law,” he said.

“As head of the Supreme Court, which is the ultimate defender of the Constitution, he could not agree to that plan because there is nothing in the Constitution that provides for a transition government.”

Marquez believes Gonzales just wanted to consult with Puno about the proposed transition government, as he does with business and religious leaders.

“I think he wants to get feedback from various sectors and opinions of influential leaders,” he said.

Marquez said Puno met with Gonzales during the convention of the Philippine Association of Court Employees in Cebu last July 1.

“They just discussed about the proposal, but it (meeting) was not set up to convince the chief justice to head the transition government,” he said.

“I don’t think there was an offer made. I don’t think the Chief Justice would involve himself in something not provided in the Constitution.”

Marquez said Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay raised a similar proposal to Puno, who also declined the offer.

“So from day one, he has repeatedly rejected this,” he said.

A transition government could only be set up through extra-constitutional means, Marquez said.               – Edu Punay